boycott
|boy-cott|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈbɔɪˌkɑt/
🇬🇧
/ˈbɔɪ.kɒt/
protest withdrawal
Etymology
Etymology Information
'boycott' originates from the name of Captain Charles Boycott, an English land agent in Ireland who was ostracized by his community in 1880.
Historical Evolution
'boycott' was derived from the actions taken against Captain Boycott, which led to the term being used as a verb and noun in English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred specifically to the ostracism of Captain Boycott, but it evolved to mean any form of protest or withdrawal from relations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a punitive ban that forbids relations with certain groups, cooperation with a policy, or the handling of goods.
The workers organized a boycott of the company's products.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35